A little disappointed
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
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GLE 450
Very interesting thread. Everyone's got their specific requirements. In looking for a mid-sized luxury 2-row crossover, my particular need was to fit a cooler of a specific size behind the driver's seat in the second row footwell for road trips. The GLE, with its roomy back seat, was perfect for our needs. And yes, when out car shopping this fall I always brought that cooler along. If it didn't fit, no need to even do the test drive.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,118
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'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
Very interesting thread. Everyone's got their specific requirements. In looking for a mid-sized luxury 2-row crossover, my particular need was to fit a cooler of a specific size behind the driver's seat in the second row footwell for road trips. The GLE, with its roomy back seat, was perfect for our needs. And yes, when out car shopping this fall I always brought that cooler along. If it didn't fit, no need to even do the test drive.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 271
'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
Very interesting thread. Everyone's got their specific requirements. In looking for a mid-sized luxury 2-row crossover, my particular need was to fit a cooler of a specific size behind the driver's seat in the second row footwell for road trips. The GLE, with its roomy back seat, was perfect for our needs. And yes, when out car shopping this fall I always brought that cooler along. If it didn't fit, no need to even do the test drive.
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1,040
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
For you, with very specific space needs (carrying existing folding bikes in specific tubs), it's important to trial-fit your cargo in any new purchase.
It may cause you to dismiss a candidate vehicle, or re-think your "stuff."
Or @makris0000's table and chairs problem. If tables are your thing, put that at the top of the list of things to evaluate before purchase.
In our case, also coming from a 2014 ML to a V167 SUV, the storage space works much better, and we have some specific needs, too. Not "just groceries in the back of the car." In fact, there's too MUCH room and I've had to add nets to secure things from sliding all over, since they aren't crowded together as with the ML. The GLE Coupe doesn't work at all, even though it's shorter wheelbase makes it more nimble. Trade-offs.
I like the additional room, as well as the better styling, and above all I like the chassis and handling of every V167 from the GLE350 with steel springs to our AMG53 with ARC. I've spent time in each of the configurations.
I just returned a Nissan Armada rental car, which would have immense table and folding bike capacity, but the car was awful.
I'm more pleased at the new GLE configuration than ever! Yes, Sports Utility, with emphasis on Both.
I'm not disappointed.
It may cause you to dismiss a candidate vehicle, or re-think your "stuff."
Or @makris0000's table and chairs problem. If tables are your thing, put that at the top of the list of things to evaluate before purchase.
In our case, also coming from a 2014 ML to a V167 SUV, the storage space works much better, and we have some specific needs, too. Not "just groceries in the back of the car." In fact, there's too MUCH room and I've had to add nets to secure things from sliding all over, since they aren't crowded together as with the ML. The GLE Coupe doesn't work at all, even though it's shorter wheelbase makes it more nimble. Trade-offs.
I like the additional room, as well as the better styling, and above all I like the chassis and handling of every V167 from the GLE350 with steel springs to our AMG53 with ARC. I've spent time in each of the configurations.
I just returned a Nissan Armada rental car, which would have immense table and folding bike capacity, but the car was awful.
I'm more pleased at the new GLE configuration than ever! Yes, Sports Utility, with emphasis on Both.
I'm not disappointed.
I can’t believe how much I can fit in my Mercedes but I can see how more than 2 bikes won’t fit. I think every vehicle will work well for some and not for others. Mercedes has a home run with the current Gen, but they just can’t seem to get rid of the Gremlins.
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 147
Likes: 26
GLE580, Cardinal Red
We are timeshare folks, and have a couple of big plastic buckets full of things that are important for our lengthy stays... (from Container store) When we were new vehicle shopping we carried those buckets to insure what we were looking at could handle our needs. Ended up with a GLE which was just enough larger than our Audi Q5 to handle the buckets with some extra room for miscellaneous. And are delighted with our new, more comfortable, spacious. road trip capability (the 2018 Audi Q5 seats were just too hard/uncomfortable for us).
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
From: Toronto
GLE 400
I took a GLE 450 for a test drive which had adjustable second row. It was amazing how much space was generated when you push the seats back. When you go to a full recline mode it is a great experience. The feature should be standard.
